1999 Terre Rouge (a.k.a. Easton), Amador County, Mourvedre ($20). Sensational. It was almost too much wine for our grillpanned lamb steaks with eggplant salad last night. It weighs in at 14.5% alcohol, 3.80 pH, and 6.3 gr/liter in total acidity. It was harvested on October 29, 1999 at 24.5 degrees brix, resulted in the high horsepower.

This one differed from the one from Phil Staley that we've been enjoying the last two years in that it doesn't have that shot of grenache. However, the hang time makes up for it, making this a very lush wine. The color as with all wines made from this grape is seductive. Then you get the huge dose of blackberries on the nose and upfront. As it crosses the palate you can almost chew it. The gamey complexity and smooth tannin enhance the lingering finish. This was the last of a $198 sampler case we bought over a year ago, and have enjoyed every one. Have reordered two of them, Noir and Enigma (red and and white Rhone blends). Will include this one in the next order.